NAIROBI, Kenya, March 21- League champions Gor Mahia, have been handed a boost by the return of keeper and skipper Jerim Onyango, who is expected to feature on Saturday when they travel away to Top Fry all Stars in one of the eight Kenyan Premier League (KPL) matches lined up this weekend.
K’Ogalo will look to bounce back when they take on a side that many have predicted are potential relegation candidates after plucky Thika United ended their perfect start to the season in Wednesday’s goalless draw.
However, head coach Bobby Williamson, says they are not going to take the match lightly since the league debutantes might pick up their form against them.
“There is no easy game in the league any body can be any one and I’m sure they will win the love of their supporters. We expect a tough match since they are prepared to face the champions.
“We have set standards this season and we will try and maintain them since our fans demand that. When we draw we feel like we have lost the match so we have four clean sheets so far and we hope we can keep the fire burning,” Williamson who has a game at hand against 2011 and 12 champions Tusker FC, told Capital Sport Friday during their training at Nairobi’s City Stadium.
As it is expected the busy Nakuru town will have an influx of invading Green Army fans who will travel from Nairobi in caravans and captain Onyango has called upon them to give them vociferous backing to lift them to victory.
“I’m very grateful to be back since I have been out for two weeks and luckily I’m fit and I just hope for a win come Saturday though it’s a tricky fixture its not that easy as its seen in the papers so we will treat them the way we have taking on other big teams.
“I’m seeing a good season ahead once more since we have able goalkeepers (David Juma and Joel Bataro) who can replace me any time and as the defence our motto this season is to keep as many clean sheet as possible and midfielders to supply the ball and the forwards to score,” K’Ogalo first choice shot-stopper who was ruled out in the last two matches with shoulder injury stated.
The Scotsman will be without three defenders, Musa Mohamed who is scheduled to attend trials in South Africa, Ugandan Israel Emuge and Kevin Oluoch who are nursing injuries but the former Cranes tactician expressed no worries since Harambee Stars dependable stopper David Owino, Haron Shakava, left back Godfrey Walusimbi and Solomon Nasio will do the duty.
Gor’s top scorer Dan Sserunkuma is expected to lift his side as he has in the previous matches even though he missed Wednesday’s penalty against Thika.
On the other side Top Fry stand-in coach Peter Okidi, will see their lethal forward Wilson Andati, who has been out for three weeks with a knee injury and midfielder Maurice Odhianmbo make a come back.
In other fixtures, 2010 champions Ulinzi Stars will be away to square it out with Tusker FC in an early kick-off before struggling AFC Leopards host table toppers Chemelil Sugar in a televised match at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium.
The troubled military side will see former Harambee stars number one Francis Onyiso, on the touchline for the first time to command his charges against the Brewers after the abrupt resignation of Salim Ali who has been at the Defence Forces side for a season.
It’s yet to be seen how skipper Stephen Ocholla, will double up as the assistant coach and help the former champions record their first victory after drawing all their five matches.
In the second match, Leopards who ended their winless run against Sony Sugar will be looking to win their second successive match but it will not be easy since the cane cutters have a better head to head record after trouncing Ingwe in both legs last season.
The den is however invaded by injuries, with keeper Wycliffe Kasaya and captain Martin Imbalambala yet to recover from knoks.
On Sunday, Nairobi City Stars will invite Sony Sugar before KRA welcome 2009 champions Sofapaka at Nyayo while Muhoroni Youth will travel to Machakos to lock horns with Mathare United at Kenyatta Stadium.
Thika United will play KCB at Ruaraka Grounds while Western Stima will wrap the day’s fixture against Bandari at Mumias Sports Complex.